Dozens of people who were evacuated after potentially explosive materials were found in a house have been allowed to return to their homes.

An Army bomb disposal team was called to Chestnut Grove, Mexborough, South Yorkshire, yesterday morning following concerns that a local resident had bought a number of items which together could be hazardous.

South Yorkshire Police said a 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing explosives and he remains in custody in Doncaster tonight.

Officers cordoned off a number of streets around the man's bungalow and around 50 homes were evacuated.

Soldiers from the Royal Logistics Corps bomb disposal unit could be seen coming and going from the property throughout the day along with firefighters and a number of police officers.

Evacuated locals either spent the day with relatives or at a centre in Mexborough set up by Doncaster Council.

Superintendent Liz Watson said: "I'd like to personally thank residents for the patience, co-operation and community spirit that has been shown today.

"Some of the people evacuated from their homes this morning were elderly and vulnerable, but our partner agencies and members of the community really rallied round to ensure that all those who had to leave their homes for several hours were well cared for.

"I'd particularly like to thank those from Doncaster Council, who arranged for people to use a community centre in Mexborough, and those at the Highwoods pub who provided a warm welcome throughout today."

Ms Watson said: "Although officers remain at the property tonight, this is simply in order to carry out further enquiries and should not be a cause for concern. "

Earlier, Ms Watson said the incident had caused concern among the community, especially among the elderly, but she said the multi-agency response was necessary to make sure the suspicious items could be removed safely from the property.